Help Us Break A Speed World Record!

MIT reached 34 km/h in 1991. We are designing a human powered watercraft to hit 37 km/h and set a new world record!

Une version française suit

THE PROJECT

Over the course of the last two years of the University of Sherbrooke’s Bachelor degree in Mechanical Engineering, a major design project takes up a big part of the student’s time.Project LEVIATHAN is one such project.

The Leviathan team

Comprised of thirteen students studying in Mechanical Engineering at the University of Sherbrooke, Project LEVIATHAN‘s goal is the design and fabrication of a one-manned human powered watercraft. Furthermore, the LEVIATHAN is designed to beat the current record held by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) as well as follow the rules set out by the Human powered Vehicle Association (HPVA). The LEVIATHAN is designed to reach a top speed of 37 km/h, therefore dethroning the MIT’s 34 km/h. The prototype will be unveiled at the University of Sherbrooke early December during the 20th edition of the renowned Mégagéniale exposition.

The prototype has been in development for the past 18 months

For the students that have been working relentlessly on this prototype for the past two years, the use of advanced materials and technologies ensure total optimisation of each of the LEVIATHAN’s components. The aerodynamics, hydrodynamics, power transmission and structural components were all designed with optimisation as a mindset. Team LEVIATHAN has the human resources as well as the expertise of each of the members needed to overcome the engineering challenges tied with designing, and fabricating.

Funding through Kickstarter will help us manufacture the hydrofoil system represented in blue

On top of designing and fabricating the LEVIATHAN, the team takes part in community education with a group called Engineering Projects In Community Service (EPICS). With EPICS, the team’s purpose is to transmit its passion, and curiosity for science to high school students through various activities.

FINANCIAL NEEDS

Financially, Project LEVIATAHN has many needs. We are very close to completion and we need your help to get past the final hurdle. The following diagram depicts where those needs come from:

3000$ STRETCH GOAL :

We add a GPS for tracking and monitoring real-time performance .

4000$ STRETCH GOAL :

We build and assemble the front hydrofoils and their brackets to the Leviathan !

5000$ STRETCH GOAL :

We can now build and assemble the cockpit of the Leviathan. Thank you so much!

7500$ STRETCH GOAL :

It is now possible to have aluminum molds for our lower hydrofoil and the propeller blade. Alumnimum molds provide better surface finish allowing high aerodynamic and hydrodynamic performances.

10000$ STRETCH GOAL :

We can now build a carbon monocoque chassis! Thank you so much!

GIVAWAYS

Leviathan keychain: the buckle is not shown but will be part of the gift

Currently the team is in full production. The big challenges lie in assembling the various systems and parts from several suppliers (internal manufacturing and external partners). For example, the alignment of the hulls and the axis of the propeller and validation of concept mechanisms, provide a brief overview of the challenges that we will soon meet.

Our goal is to make a preliminary test in November. Next, the team will have little time to rectify unforeseen problems encountered in the testing period, because the final exhibition is the upcoming December 2nd and 3rd. Our ultimate goal is to set a new speed record which is scheduled for June 2015 in the Montreal’s Olympic basin.

With that said, Team LEVIATHAN thanks you for your support, and is grateful for your generosity. Just remember that with your help, you are insuring the success of these thirteen Mechanical Engineering student’s major design project at Sherbrooke University.

Team LEVIATHAN would really appreciate that you help share this Kickstarter!